A typical commercial truck weighs tens of thousands of pounds and can severely damage other vehicles in the event of a collision. Significant damages are especially likely to occur in semi-truck collisions involving jackknifing. “Jackknifing” occurs when a semi-truck cab and its trailer move in opposite directions, causing the trailer to fold and form a 90-degree angle or “V” shape. When this occurs, the trailer can careen across lanes of traffic, colliding with everything in its path.
Jackknifing collisions can cause severe injuries to those involved and result in substantial medical bills. Fortunately, the lawyers at Tittle & Perlmuter have extensive experience in investigating and pursuing compensation for jackknife truck accidents in Elyria. If you have sustained serious injuries in this type of traffic accident, a consultation with a dedicated attorney could put you on the path to recovery.
What Causes a Tractor-Trailer to Jackknife?
In most cases, jackknifing occurs due to an unexpected and dramatic drop in speed. For instance, sudden breaking combined with significant momentum could cause a truck’s trailer to swing in the opposite direction of the cab. Other factors that could contribute to a jackknifed tractor-trailer include:
- Driving while fatigued;
- Speeding;
- Deteriorating weather conditions;
- Improperly maintained vehicle equipment;
- Defective or malfunctioning truck components; and
- Poorly maintained roadways.
A seasoned legal team can investigate the circumstances of a jackknife truck collision to determine the cause. If driver negligence led to the swinging trailer that caused a victim’s injuries, a skilled attorney could pursue a claim for compensation on the victim’s behalf.
Common Injuries in Jackknifing Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are 20 to 30 times heavier than typical passenger cars and can easily crush or demolish the smaller vehicles on impact. Unfortunately these types of accidents commonly cause fatalities and leave survivors with life-altering injuries such as:
- Disfiguring burns;
- Internal organ damage;
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis; and/or
- Traumatic brain injuries.
In addition to debilitating physical harm, jackknife truck crashes can also have long-term emotional effects on victims. Post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive impairment stemming from brain damage, and reduced quality of life are common forms of harm sustained by truck accident victims.
Liability in Elyria Jackknifing Truck Claims
In many serious trucking accidents, big rig operators can be held liable for negligent behavior such as driver fatigue, error, or distraction. In certain cases, liability will not stop there, and parties besides the truck driver may be held responsible.
Other liable parties might include motor freight carrier companies that employed the negligent driver, vehicle maintenance contractors, or the manufacturers of faulty equipment that led to the jackknifing trailer. An experienced lawyer can explore the facts of a jackknifing tractor-trailer case to determine whether additional parties are liable for the victim’s injuries.
Pursuing multiple defendants can maximize a victim’s financial award. As such, those injured in jackknife truck accidents should consult a local law firm to explore all potential options for recovery.
Contact a Legal Advocate for Jackknife Truck Accidents in Elyria
If you or a loved one have suffered a collision with a swinging tractor-trailer, Tittle & Perlmuter can provide legal guidance and offer crucial insight on your case.
Our attorneys have represented many cases involving jackknife truck accidents and will work diligently to ensure that you receive adequate compensation for your losses. Call today to discuss how we could support you through this difficult time.
